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Chalk Talk will look at second and third tier players to help you make a decision in determining how strong or weak a starter they will be. Let's face it, anyone can pencil in LaDainian Tomlinson or Terrell Owens but what about those No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 fantasy players on your roster? You know; the ones in which you need to look at, analyze the match-ups and then look at it again! Yep, those are the ones! The ones in which we read and reread the latest news and notes and still wonder what to do!
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Well, we're here to give you a hand with those every week in Chalk Talk's "Strong
Play/Weak Play column. This report is merely a taste of well-researched team
reports from KFFL.com's Award Winning site.
We take a typical fantasy roster of 1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 PK, 1 DT and break the players down. If you enjoy these reports, you'll enjoy KFFL's weekly newsletter as well as our other services - covering all the team's key players, game situation and more! These reports are excerpts taken from our premium service which is over 250 pages!
QUARTERBACK STRONG PLAY
Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers at New York Giants
Delhomme's development into a dependable starting quarterback is one of the primary factors in the Panthers' success this season. Over his last four games, Delhomme is averaging 20 completions for 216 yards (10.8 yards per completion), 1.5 TDs and 1 INT per game. The Panthers have secured a playoff birth and will likely rest RB Stephen Davis again. Although, Davis could carry the ball a handful of times this week. The forecast looks good for Sunday, so weather shouldn't hamper Delhomme's efforts. The Giants have given up the ghost on this season, allowing 246 yards and 2.5 TDs per game without intercepting a pass in the last four weeks. This looks like a great match-up for the Panthers, so Delhomme is a solid No. 1 option this weekend.
RUNNING BACKS STRONG PLAY
Curtis Martin, New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Every year somebody counts Curtis Martin out, and every year he gains a 1,000 yards. In his last four games, Martin is averaging 25 carries, 104 yards and 0.25 TDs per game. That is good enough for eighth in the NFL in rushing yards in that time. In addition, Martin has totaled 13 catches for 98 yards. In his last four games, he has targeted 117 times (47 percent) overall, 12 times (43 percent) in the red zone and three times inside the 5-yard line. The Dolphins have nothing to play for after being eliminated from the playoffs last week so one has to wonder if they will be giving maximum effort. In their last four games, Miami has allowed 81 yards on 23 carries, 35 yards on 3.5 receptions and 1.25 total TDs per game to opposing backs. Martin is a solid No. 1 fantasy RB this Sunday.
Onterrio Smith, Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals
Smith has gone off the last two weeks for 376 total yards and three touchdowns. In his last two games, Smith has averaged 24 carries for 147 yards and 1.5 TDs per game. He also caught six balls for 47 yards. Smith has been utilized 57 times in the last two weeks, including 10 inside the red zone. The Cardinals are arguably the worst team in the NFL this season, but they do play better at home. In their last four games, they have allowed 25 carries, 141 yards and 1 TD per game. In the passing game, they have yielded 20 total receptions for 182 yards and 2 TDs. Smith is a weak No. 1 or strong No. 2 this week, but be a little wary as if Bennett is healthy that should cut into Smith's touches this Sunday.
WIDE RECEIVERS STRONG PLAY
Koren Robinson, Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Robinson has experienced a largely disappointing season, in many ways falling behind teammate WR Darrell Jackson. In the last four weeks, Robinson has averaged 4.5 receptions for 54 yards. Robinson has been targeted 35 times (13 percent) in that span. His team goes on the road this Saturday, where they have won just once all season, in a must win game against the 49ers. San Francisco has surrendered 145 yards on 6.5 receptions (15.2 yards per catch) and 1.25 TDs per game. It will be tough for Seattle to win this weekend, but Robinson benefits from a good match-up and is a strong No. 3 this weekend.
Santana Moss, New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Moss has experienced an up and down season, sandwiching mediocre performances around a mid-season tear. In his last four games, Moss has averaged 4.5 catches for 58 yards without a touchdown. This is a far cry from Weeks 6-12, during which he caught nine TDs and at least one in all seven games. In the last four weeks he has been targeted 38 times (15 percent), including three in the red zone. The Dolphins have allowed 8.8 receptions, 136 yards and 0.5 TDs per game to opposing receivers in the last four weeks. While the Dolphins have done a solid job in that time, once again you have to wonder if the effort will be there in Week 17 with their playoff hopes dashed.
Robert Ferguson/Javon Walker, Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos
The Packers have actually been featuring the pass the last two weeks and have accounted for eight TDs in that time. Over the last four weeks, Walker has averaged 3.3 receptions, 73 yards and 1 TD per game while Ferguson has averaged 3.5 catches, 64 yards and 0.5 TDs in that same span. Walker has been targeted 20 times (7.4 percent) to Ferguson's 23 (8.5 percent) plays. This weekend they play Denver, who has struggled the last four weeks. In that time, they have allowed 9.5 receptions, 157 yards and 0.5 TDs per game. It should be noted though that they did a nice job last week against the explosive Indianapolis Colts' receivers. If possible, start both Packers' receivers as when one shines the other tends to struggle, so there is a risk to starting just one. Both Ferguson and Walker are strong No. 2 WRs this Sunday.
TIGHT END STRONG PLAY
Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders
Gates was already on KFFL's radar, but he got some mainstream attention when he exploded in Week 15 with five catches for 117 yards against the Green Bay Packers and then followed that up with five more receptions for 64 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16. He has been targeted 27 times (9.8 percent) in the past four weeks, including five (12 percent) inside the red zone. In their last four games, Oakland has allowed 58 yards on 4.3 receptions and 1 TD per game to the tight end position. Oakland is last in the NFL in yards and touchdowns allowed during that span. Gates has been one of the few bright spots during a lost season for the Chargers and makes an excellent play as a strong No. 1 this weekend.
PLACE KICKER STRONG PLAY
Shayne Graham, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Graham has been money lately, successfully converting all of his field goals and extra points over the past four weeks. He has connected on 10 PATs and six FGAs in that time. Conversely, the Browns have allowed 12 FGAs and 13 PATs in the last four weeks. That is an average of 12 potential points per game for opposing kickers, which is the most allowed in the NFL. The Bengals face a must-win situation this Sunday and Graham should figure into their efforts as he is a strong No. 1 options in Week 17.
DEFENSIVE TEAM STRONG PLAY
Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals
The Vikings have been a solid fantasy defense this year, as they are tied with New England for the league lead in INTs. Minnesota has allowed 20 points per game in the past four games, but they have forced eight turnovers (two per game) while recording just five sacks (1.25 per game) in that time. The Cardinals are averaging 11 points per game, while allowing 16 sacks (including eight a week ago) and turning the ball over eight times in their last four games. Facing the NFL's version of a Junior Varsity team, the Vikings make a solid No. 1 play this weekend.
QUARTERBACK WEAK PLAY
Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Maddox is coming off a good performance in Week 16 as he threw for three TDs. However, those came against the San Diego Chargers, who have one of the worst passing defenses in the NFL. In his last four games, Maddox has averaged 19 completions for 219 yards (11.8 yards per completion), 1.25 TDs and 0.5 INTs per game. Maddox will likely the going more difficult when the Steelers and Ravens close out the 2003 regular season Sunday night. Baltimore has surrendered 18 completions, 180 yards and 0.5 TDs per game. They have also intercepted seven passes (1.75 per game) and recovered four fumbles against the QB position in that time. Maddox is an injury replacement in Week 17.
RUNNING BACKS WEAK PLAY
Moe Williams, Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals
Williams' stock has been falling in fantasy leagues lately as his numbers have declined as the season has worn on. In his last four games, Williams is averaging just 16 rushing yards on 5.8 carries and 34 receiving yards on 4 receptions. He rushed for one touchdown in that time. Williams has been utilized 42 times (13 percent), including six (18 percent) in the red zone. In their last four games, the Cardinals have allowed 25 carries, 141 yards and 1 TD per game. In the passing game, they have yielded 20 total receptions for 182 yards and 2 TDs. Despite a good match-up, the Vikings are riding Onterrio Smith right now and therefore Williams only has value as a No. 3 fantasy back this weekend.
Amos Zereoue, Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Famous Amos was granted the starting job at the start of the season, but faltered badly and has spent the majority of the season in his familiar role as backup. In the last four games, he has averaged 7.5 touches for 36 total yards per game. In that time, Zereoue was utilized 33 times (12 percent) overall and three times (9.1 percent) inside the 20. The Ravens have done a nice job the last four weeks, allowing 25 carries, 89 yards and 0.25 TDs per game to the RB position. In addition, they have allowed 6.8 catches for 51 yards in the passing game. If you were thinking about sticking Zereoue into your lineup resist the urge and keeping him on the bench Sunday.
WIDE RECEIVERS WEAK PLAY
Peerless Price, Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Unfortunately for the Falcons, Price has not lived up to their expectations. In the last four weeks, he has averaged 3.3 catches for 48 yards per game. Those are unacceptable numbers for a primary receiver. In that time, Price has been targeted 38 times (15 percent) and twice (6.6 percent) in the red zone. Jacksonville has done a good job against opposing receivers the last four weeks. In that time, they have allowed 10 receptions, 117 yards and 0.5 TDs per game. The Jaguars have been a good time the second half of the season and their potentially stifling defense makes Price no more than an injury replacement this weekend.
Terry Glenn, Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints
Glenn was the toast of the town early in the season, but he has not done much over the last four weeks. In those games he has averaged 2.8 receptions for 45 yards and 0 TDs per game. He has been targeted on 20 times (7.7 percent), which is the most amongst the Cowboys' receivers, but just twice (5.6 percent) in the red zone. New Orleans has ranked in the top five in the NFL in limiting opposing receivers over the last four weeks. In that time, they have allowed just 7.8 receptions for 101 yards without a touchdown. There is a bit of a disclaimer here, as the Saints were eliminated from the playoffs under bizarre circumstances last week and may roll over this weekend.
Troy Walters, Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
This weak play is not so much based on match-ups, but rather on the Colts' priorities this weekend. Primary WR Marvin Harrison is just eight catches away from 100, which is a feat the Colts would like to see him accomplish. Also, Walters has been leapfrogged by WR Brandon Stokley and is now the fourth receiver. Walters has totaled seven catches for 76 yards and a touchdown in the last four weeks, but none in the last two. Walters has been targeted just 11 times (4.3 percent) in the last four weeks. Houston has allowed 10 receptions, 152 yards and 0.5 TDs per game in the last four games. Those aren't very good numbers, but as mentioned this is based on the potential lack of opportunities Walters could see this Sunday, so make sure he stays on your fantasy bench.
TIGHT END WEAK PLAY
Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs
Clark (toe) is banged up a little bit, but has been able to play through it. In his last four games, Clark has averaged 2.5 catches for just 22 yards. In that time he has been targeted 19 times (7 percent), including four plays (12 percent) coming in the red zone. In the last four games, Kansas City has allowed 3.8 receptions, 41 yards and 0.5 TDs per game. While the Chiefs have been by no means a shut down defense against tight ends, the fact that Clark is slowed by injury makes him a player to be benched this weekend.
PLACE KICKER WEAK PLAY
Josh Brown, Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Brown has been inaccurate the last four weeks, converting just 4-of-7 FGAs (57.1 percent). It should be noted that all three misses came from beyond 40-yards, but just one was outside of the 50-yard mark. In his last four games, Brown is averaging 1.75 FGAs and 2.75 PATs per game. The 49ers are actually quite generous to opposing kickers, yielding 1.75 FGAs and four PATs per game. Despite allowing 9.25 potential points per game to opposing PKs, Brown is a bench player because he can't consistently split the uprights.
DEFENSIVE TEAM WEAK PLAY
Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints
Over the last four weeks,
Dallas has allowed 18 offensive points per game in that time. In addition, they
are averaging 2.25 sacks, 1 INT and 0.75 fumble recoveries. They face a Saints
team that is out of the playoffs after an unbelievable loss last week so there
has to be some question as to their intensity level this Sunday. The Saints
offense has been one of the more effective offenses in the NFL over the past
four games, as they are averaging 22 offensive points per game. Also, they have
allowed 2.25 sacks, lost 1.25 fumbles and thrown no interceptions per game in
that time. Dallas is still a solid No. 1 defense, but with the way the Saints
protect the ball their effectiveness may be limited in the regular season finale.